For many people, the sight of a police officer makes them feel uneasy – whether they have done something wrong or not. This is especially true for people of color, who are more likely to be stopped and searched by police. But why do police touch your car when they stop you?
The Purpose of Police Touching Your Car
There are a few reasons why police might touch your car when they stop you. One reason is to make sure that you’re not carrying any weapons or contraband. Another reason is to check for evidence, like drug paraphernalia or blood in the car.
The Types of Police Touching Your Car
When a police officer stops you, one of the most common things they will do is touch your vehicle. The purpose of touching your car is to ensure that it is safe to stop and also to collect any evidence that may be on the scene. Below are three different types of police touching your car: patting down, searching, and seizure.
Patting Down:
When a police officer wants to pat you down for safety reasons, they will use their hands to touch your arms and legs for a brief period of time. This is usually done when there is suspicion that you may be carrying weapons or drugs. Although this type of contact can be uncomfortable, it is generally harmless.
Searching:
If the officer has a reason to believe that you may have evidence on you, they may ask you to get out of the car. After you have exited the car, the officer will search it from top to bottom. This includes looking inside and under the hood. Although this type of search can be intrusive, it is usually legal unless the officer has a reasonable suspicion that you are carrying contraband.
Seizure:
If the officer has a reasonable suspicion that
What to do if You are Stopped by Police
If you are stopped by police, the first thing you should do is remain calm. You should keep your hands where the officer can see them and speak to the officer in a clear voice. If the officer asks to search your car, you should allow him to do so. If the officer asks to speak with you outside of the car, you should comply.
Conclusion
When you are pulled over by the police, they have a responsibility to investigate your behavior and ensure that no laws have been broken. One way they do this is by touching your car. By doing so, they are able to gather evidence such as fingerprints or DNA. Regardless of why the police stop you, it is always polite to comply with their request and let them check your car out.